252 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Summer camping around Paonia sits at a lower elevation than most western Colorado mountain towns, which means longer access windows and less risk of snow closures cutting a trip short. The North Fork Valley here borders Grand Mesa National Forest, putting dispersed camping within a short drive of town while still leaving room for developed sites in the valley floor with hookups or water on-site. Paonia is a small agricultural town with fruit orchards and wineries, giving the surrounding camping a different character than the ski-resort and national park corridors farther east.
Road access varies: paved routes handle most vehicles, but national forest roads above town require high clearance in sections, particularly after rain when dirt clay softens. The camping season here runs longer at lower elevations, with valley-floor sites accessible well into November most years. Cell service gets thin once you're on the forest roads above town.
"The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"
"Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."
from $20 - $34 / night
Check Availability"Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"
"A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."
"Great view of the lake but the lake level was down so we weren't as close as you could be but still a great lake & mountain view. I have Verizon I had 2 to 3 bars & could stream Pandora."
"Many vineyards close by. Joe Cocker (rock singer) had a ranch nearby."
from $36 / night
Check Availability"Stunning scenery and right next to the river. The road coming in is not for the faint of heart, but it was very doable in my minivan going slow."
"This campground is a gem as other reviewers have cited, BUT the road in is dangerous when wet as there is a lot of exposure off the edge. An AWD would be ok but still dicey on the downhills."
"Campsites are a small piece of grassy area next to a pond or on an outside loop. Portable toilets only. Traffic noise at night."
"Our only complaint was that it was quite hot (topped out near 100 degrees)."
from $25 - $170 / night
Check Availability"Breathing mountain views, walking distance to the town and wine tasting, hanging with goats and chickens, peaceful, safe and definitely relaxing."
"Location is hard to beat."
"Driving through Colorado in the fall there is nothing which can compare. "
"Camped one night on our road trip throughout southwestern Colorado. Campsites over look the canyon."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Every year, my family (+- 10 people) heads somewhere in Colorado to camp over Labor Day. This year we headed up to Marble, CO and stayed at the Bogan Flats campground."
"Lovely quite campground in the woods next to a river. We stayed on the side away from the river and I wish we had stayed on the river side, but it was still fantastic."
from $32 - $166 / night
Check Availability"It is quiet and peaceful next to the roaring of the river. Perfectly situated between Paonia (Big B’s cider) and Kebler pass leading to Crested Butte."
"The tent spots were in a different area on the other side of the property a little away from the busier parts."
from $35 - $725 / night
Check Availability"Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience."
"There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground."
ScoutA few miles off the turnoff for 50 there are a few primitive campgrounds. River access. Easy road and just a few minutes drive and all you can hear is nature. Nice views too.
TravelerThe parking where the want you to park were not wide enough for our 34ft toy hauler and two slides. So we parked above and the view was spectacular. It’s an OHV riding area which my husband loved!! He rides!!! But for the purpose of an overnight it’s awesome!! I will put up pictures from our toy hauler deck
TravelerAbsolutely incredible site, gorgeous views and so much wildlife.
Perfect until we heard what sounded like a man screaming and getting closer and closer to our site around 10 pm. Scared us so bad that we booked it home, packing up in under 3 minutes. It was especially scary because we were the ONLY campers on the road for at least 15 minutes.
Hopefully it was just an owl, because we will definitely be back!!! Would be 5 stars if not for getting the daylights scared out of me.
TravelerThis campground is right on the river, with nice canopies over the picnic tables and pit toilets. Saw lots of fish jumping as well!
GuideThe views for this campground are beautiful. Parking was easy and not busy in early June. The camp host was very nice. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. Bathrooms are pretty close by. Showers are $3 and quarters only. Was slightly disingenuous the showers only lukewarm/cool water.
RangerMuch of the surrounding area cannot be camped on from March 15-July 15 to conserve the sage grouse habitat. This is available. It is a small, dirt, parking lot just outside a gate. We had the place to ourselves on May 30, 2026. The view to Crawford was great. No restrooms.
TravelerTruly a perfect campground, we had a blast here! Stunning scenery and right next to the river.
The road coming in is not for the faint of heart, but it was very doable in my minivan going slow. Several sites offer shade, we got the very first spot on the right after pulling in which seemed to be one of the largest, most shaded sites.
We stayed 4 nights and it was relatively busy the whole time. We fished and played in the river. We didn’t kayak/float down the river due to personal preference, but plenty of people were!
I have AT&T and had no service, but my starlink worked okay when I needed it.
Can’t wait to come back to this area and stay at this campground again!
ScoutGreat spot. Beautiful views with several spots. Not far from down just off the road
TravelerThere hasn’t been water available in this campground for years. Be advised.
Camping options near Paonia, Colorado extend across a mix of public lands and managed facilities with notable destinations like Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crawford State Park, and several BLM areas. The region includes developed campgrounds for both tent and RV camping, as well as more unique accommodations such as the cabins at Sage View Ranch and glamping options at Big B's Delicious Orchards. Both established campgrounds with amenities and dispersed sites on public lands can be found within a 30-mile radius of town, providing various levels of services and privacy.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping experiences in this area, with many campgrounds only fully operational from late spring through fall. Crawford State Park's Iron Creek Campground remains accessible year-round with electric hookups and water access, though the reservoir water levels can fluctuate significantly during drought conditions. Several campgrounds near Black Canyon of the Gunnison offer different operating seasons, with South Rim open year-round while North Rim typically closes by mid-November. Road access to dispersed sites may become difficult during wet weather or winter conditions. As one camper noted, "The lake level was down so we weren't as close as you could be but still a great lake & mountain view."
Waterfront sites at Crawford State Park receive particularly positive reviews, with campers appreciating the lake views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Sites 22 through 39 are highlighted as prime waterfront locations when reservoir levels are normal. At Sage View Ranch, visitors praise the unique accommodations and mountain scenery, with one reviewer describing it as "a very eclectic ranch" with "everything from buses turned apartments, RV parking and tent plots, tipi with a king bed." In contrast, reviews for Big B's Delicious Orchards campground are mixed, with some visitors enjoying the orchard setting and amenities like the restaurant and cider tasting, while others note issues with site spacing and muddy conditions. Several visitors mentioned the lack of shade at many sites throughout the region, suggesting preparation for sun exposure, especially during summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Paonia, Colorado?
Several excellent campgrounds surround Paonia. Erickson Springs offers a rustic experience right on Anthracite Creek, just off Kebler Pass Road. It's a basic USFS campground with good hiking access to Dark Canyon in the Raggeds Wilderness and fishing opportunities. Another great option is Kebler Corner, situated between Paonia and Kebler Pass with the peaceful sounds of the river nearby. For those willing to venture a bit further, Redstone in White River National Forest provides quiet, tree-surrounded sites with warm showers, while Oh Be Joyful Campground near Crested Butte offers spectacular mountain views with an honor system for fees.
Is there RV camping available in Paonia?
Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins (formerly Tall Texan) offers excellent RV accommodations near Paonia and is described by campers as one of the most beautiful RV parks in Colorado. For those wanting to be closer to recreational activities, The Campground at Big B's Delicious Orchards near Hotchkiss provides drive-in access with reservable sites and basic amenities. While Paonia itself has limited RV-specific camping, the surrounding area offers several options with varying levels of hookups and amenities. Most RV sites in the region fill quickly during summer months, so advance reservations are recommended.
What amenities are available at Paonia State Park for campers?
Paonia State Park Campground offers basic amenities in a rustic setting. The campground is located about 15 miles from town and features vault toilets, drinking water, and fire rings at each site. The sites are situated under shrubs that provide some shade but can harbor mosquitoes, especially during wet seasons. While the park includes a reservoir, water levels can fluctuate significantly, sometimes completely drying up by late summer. Some campers experience wildlife encounters, including cattle from nearby ranches occasionally wandering through. For more amenities, Crawford State Park nearby offers more reliable water recreation and better-maintained facilities.
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